A Comparative Study of Upstream and Downstream Water Quality of Warri River, in Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Warri River is a major river in Southern Nigeria which serves several poor communities’ water demands. As such the water from this river serves domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. The river also serves as a means of transportation for people, companies and communities that exist on the islands that dot the Niger Delta Region. The importance of this river necessitated this study on ‘comparative Study of Upstream and Downstream Water Quality of Warri River’. The study was carried out by collecting water samples from the river between January 2022 to December 2022 using systematic sampling techniques at both the up and downstream sections of the river. A total of 48 water samples (using 100 meters apart) were collected and analysed for physicochemical and biological indices. The results showed that variations exist in the concentration of physicochemical and biological parameters in the upstream and downstream sections of the river. While such parameters as EC, temperature, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, Na, Calcium, Potassium showed higher concentrations in the downstream section, others such as pH, DO, Zn and Fe recorded higher concentrations in the upstream section of the river. As a result of the characteristics observed,it was recommended that routine monitoring of human activities and testing of the river water be done from time to time, to harness the full capacity of the river and ensure eco-sustainability.